What secrets lie beneath this ancient mound? This is Horndysse. It stands as a silent testament to a time long past here in Roskilde.
Roskilde itself is an ancient city. It emerged over a thousand years ago as the core of Viking sea and land trade routes. From the 11th century until 1443, it was Denmark’s sole capital. The bishop and king supported it. By the Middle Ages, it became one of the most important centers in Scandinavia.
The name Roskilde means “Ro’s spring”. Ancient references link it with King Roar. He apparently lived here in the 6th century.
According to some accounts, Roskilde was established around 980 by Harald Bluetooth. He built a wooden church and a royal residence nearby. Archaeologists found Viking ships’ remains in the Isefjord in 1997. The oldest ship dates back to 1030.
In 1020, King Canute made Roskilde a bishopric. This gave it special national status. Bishop Absalon erected a brick church on Harald’s church site around 1170. The current cathedral was built in 1275. Absalon’s influence led to the establishment of many churches in the vicinity. Roskilde became the most influential town in Zealand.
Sweyn Grathe constructed a canal around the city in 1150. A religious confraternity was established in 1151. It defended the city against Wendish pirates. The Roskilde bishops controlled large land areas. This included Havn on the Øresund from 1186, which later became Copenhagen. By the Danish Reformation in 1536, there were five monasteries and 12 churches here.
Roskilde enjoyed trading privileges under King Eric II. These privileges became entrenched in 1268. By then, it was the most important and largest town in Denmark. In 1370, the city owned 2500 farms throughout Zealand.
With the development of the rail network, Roskilde became a hub for commerce with Copenhagen. The harbor expanded attracting industrial firms. By the early 20th century, there were iron foundries and tobacco factories.
In the 1970s, the Holbæk Motorway linked it to Copenhagen. Roskilde University was established in 1972. Since the 1980s, the service sector has flourished. New districts have grown up including Kongebakken and Himmelev.
Remember Horndysse as you explore Roskilde. It is a reminder of the city’s long and fascinating history. The stones whisper tales of Vikings kings and a bygone era.